PRVCA Explore Magazine PRVCA Explore PA 2019 | Page 10

Ricketts Glen State Park and Big Falls
Address: 695 State Route 487
Benton, PA 17814
Phone: [phone]
With nearly two dozen waterfalls throughout
the 13,000-acre park, Ricketts Glen State Park
in Columbia County is one of the preeminent
destinations for waterfall watchers in the
Commonwealth.
Waterfall heights vary from as small as 10
feet all the way up to the park’s crown jewel
– the 94-foot Ganoga Falls. With a three-mile
trail leading sight-seekers to 18 of the property’s
falls visitors will want to bring hiking shoes or
boots.
Originally named for Colonel R. Bruce Ricketts,
who purchased the land for logging in 1865,
the falls were discovered by fishermen who
were exploring the lower sections of Kitchen
Creek. Many of the waterfalls were named by
Ricketts after native American tribes as well
as friends and family.
Ganoga Falls
Ricketts Glen state Park
Waterfall enthusiasts making their way to
Ricketts Glen also may want to check out the 25-foot drop Big
Falls, which is roughly three miles away on State Game Lands 13.
Campers looking to explore the waterfalls at Ricketts Glen and
in areas nearby can set up at the park’s campground. With 120
tent and trailer campsites, the facility offers amenities like hot
showers, flush toilets and a sanitary dump station
Ready for a Hike?
Trails to Pennsylvania’s waterfalls
range from an easy trek to more
difficult hiking trails. Follow these
tips to make sure that you have a
good experience.
• Wear Sturdy shoes
A good pair of hiking boots provides better support and
helps prevent accidents.
• Bring the proper clothing and equipment
If you’re traveling on remote trails, make sure you have
warm clothing in case the temperature dips; a compass,
map, water, food, etc. in case of an emergency.
• Allow enough time
The weather can change quickly. Plan to complete your
hike before dark. Let others know your hiking plan.
• Stay on the trails.
You could get lost and venturing off the trail can cause
damage to the natural resources.
10 | EXPLORE Pennsylvania 2019
Fall Brook
Salt Springs State Park
Salt Springs State Park
Address: Silver Creek Road and Salt Springs Road
Montrose, PA 18801
Phone: [phone]
Tucked in the northeastern part of Pennsylvania in Susquehanna
County is the 405-acre Salt Springs State Park.
This land is populated with towering old growth Hemlock trees
which are estimated to be at least 300 years old as well as three
waterfalls along the Fall Brook Trail. All of the falls are fed by water
from the Fall Brook Gorge and are within close proximity to one
another, making them fairly easy to navigate on foot. Many of
the rock formations near the falls have worn into steps which
visitors can utilize.
Although there are not facilities available for recreational
vehicles at Salt Springs, there are multiple camp grounds in the
region – including Lackawanna State Park, which offers warm
showers and electrical hook ups at some campsites.